Glimmers (14 page)

“Oh,” I say, glancing down at the ring, as I tensely spin it around and around.

“I know it has been difficult for you, having your fiancé away so much,” Derek says sweetly, lifting my head. “I’m not blind. I can tell you’ve been distant, but I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

This is just great, now I’m tearing up. How am I supposed to call off our engagement, now? I can’t crush this sweet guy. I know he would do anything to make me happy. And although I’m not the right woman for him, I wish I could be.

All right, so I’ll break off the engagement another day. Right now, I can’t bear to hurt him.

He reaches his hand for me and whispers, “Hailey, I don’t mean to make things difficult for you.”

“Derek . . . I um . . . please don’t worry about it. You haven’t done anything wrong. I’m just tired and need to go to bed. Thanks,” I say and swiftly back away. At that moment, Luke jumps onto Derek. I leave the two behind and race for my bedroom.

I can barely hear Derek holler, “Don’t worry; I’ll lock the door when I leave!”

My breathing is jagged, cutting like a saw through the center of my chest. I shut my bedroom door and lean against it. “Tomorrow, I’ll do it, tomorrow,” I tell myself over and over.

~ * * * ~

Throughout the night, men wearing large gray masks with downward turning grins flood into my dreams. They surround me, swirling around and around! I am being judged! I beg for them to go, but they continue mocking me. I scream and cry and kick! Until suddenly, the floor beneath me is gone, and I begin to fall!

I awaken with a start, sitting upright! I’m in the safety of my own bed. Tears are streaming down my face.

“It was only a dream,” I have to remind myself.

Desperately, I search for my cell. I don’t want to wait any longer to tell Julian how I feel. I want to be with him and only him. After dialing his number, I wait anxiously to hear his voice. There’s no answer, and my call goes straight into his voicemail. Although his recorded greeting is cheerful and charming, I hang up.

“Last night was horrible,” I sigh and rest back into my pillow. Luke is here with me, and I scratch behind his ears. “You like that, boy?” He licks my face and places his long front leg on top of me. Ah, a hug. “I’d love to stay here and cuddle you all day, but I better get ready for work.”

~ * * * ~

When I arrive at my office building, I stand in the doorway and put on a happy face. This stinks; I don’t like being fake, for any period of time. And I don’t want to be rude, but I really can’t be bothered by my coworkers’ idle chit-chat . . . especially, Wanda. Okay, so nobody is even looking at me. Better play it safe though and dash straight for my office.

I’m almost there, but Stacey is standing in my way. I attempt to skirt around her, but she is literally blocking me.

“Good morning Hailey! Is there anything you want to share with me?” she asks, wearing an impish grin.

“Not really.”

On a normal day, I don’t mind swapping gossip with her. Only this is not a normal day, and she’s irritating me. Stacey reaches behind her back and opens up the door.

Twelve long-stemmed red roses are sitting on my desk. The most beautiful roses I have ever seen.

“It’s not every day a woman receives flowers at the office,” Stacey says with a smile.

“Derek’s been working a lot lately. He feels pretty guilty about it,” I offer. “I’m sure he figures that sending me flowers is the only sensible thing to do.”

“I see, and by the look of it he feels pretty terrible. You must have really laid it on thick. Nice going,” Stacey says, gazing at the bouquet.

“I suppose.”

After a few seconds of awkward silence, Stacey finally leaves. I continue staring at the little envelope. I resent it. I don’t want to read about Derek’s feelings. I don’t want to feel worse than I already do.

Still, I wonder . . . . No, wait a minute, I don’t care. I try glaring a hole through the card. It doesn’t work. So I ignore it all together and shuffle through some papers.

After a few minutes, curiosity gnaws at me, and in a moment of weakness, I snatch the card. I tear it open and quickly scan over the words, but I have to read them again and again. I still don’t understand. I read the words again, “I will always wait for you…just don’t take too long. Love, Julian.”

My weakened knees buckle, causing me to fall into my leather chair. I stare at my roses, all of a sudden, they look different. They’ve actually changed in appearance. Now, they’re even more beautiful. I reach for one and hold it lovingly in my hand. I’m finally aware of its engaging fragrance, and I slowly fill my lungs with its sweet perfume.

Paige, Tuesday

Jewelry Counter

“Stunning, don’t you think?” I hear a chipper voice inquire.

“Yes . . . they are lovely . . . and they smell so sweet,” I say, still in a daze.

“The ring . . . smells sweet?” the woman questions.

Uh-oh, everything’s coming back. I’ve just been somewhere else. How embarrassing, and this nice little jewelry person is looking so confused. It’s Hilary, and I’m still trying on my sister’s ring!

I must collect myself. I must come up with something clever to say. “Right, I’m sure Hailey will appreciate what you’ve done to make it fit perfectly.”

I hand Hilary the ring, and she hesitates briefly before taking it. “I’ll just place it in this box.”

“Thanks,” I say, but who really cares what I’m saying. What just happened? Did I just see what I think I saw? And who is this Julian person?

What’s wrong with me? Am I losing my mind? I focus on my watch. After calculating the time, I realize only a few minutes have transpired. Strange, it feels like I’ve been gone much longer. The sales clerk gives me an odd look before handing me a cute little bag. It’s tied at the top with a delicate ribbon. I scoff, as I am sure Hailey will appreciate that.

“Hopefully, we’ll see you again, soon. Have a nice day,” Hilary says, smiling.

I thank her and reach for the bag.

~ * * * ~

Just as I’m driving home, Hailey calls. I debate whether or not I want to answer. I’d love to tell her just how I feel about how she uses me all the time!

Probably best if I ignore the phone. It beeps, and I know I have a message from my sister. I don’t care. I’m not going to listen to it.

Let’s face it; I’m curious by nature, so it doesn’t take long for me to listen. “Hello there, sis! I just want to know how the ring fits. I can’t wait to see you later! Call me!” Hailey says cheerfully.

I delete her message and flip the phone around in my hand. If I’m being honest here, I don’t want to return her call, but I dial her number anyway. After all, she is my sister.

Hailey answers on the first ring, “Hey there, Paige! How are you doing?”

After hearing her pleasant tone, I’m even more annoyed. “What do you need for me to do, now? Run another meaningless errand for the bride?”

“Whoa, take a chill pill. What happened in the jewelry store? Was Hilary rude to you or something?” inquires Hailey, and I am almost fooled by the sound of her innocent tone…not today.

“I think you’re up to something,” I say bluntly.

“Fine, you caught me. I mean, I hate to even ask this of you, but since the boutique is so close to the jewelry store, is there any chance you could do another tiny favor for me? I need to have my dress fitted one more time. Could you please go by there and do this one last thing for me, pretty please?”

“Why should I?”

“Paige, your taste in fashion is exquisite. After all, you were the one who picked out my dress, in the first place.”

“Yeah, that’s kind of strange. Don’t you think? I mean, shouldn’t you have picked out your own wedding dress?”

“Paige, don’t be ridiculous. You’re so good at shopping, and I trust you completely . . . with my life. Besides, you’re the best big sister I could ever hope for,” she says, and I soften.

“Fine,” I say and realize that yes, I am a sucker.

“Thanks. And how did the ring fit?”

“Fine.”

“Great, thanks again! Bye!” she trills and hangs up.

I am so confused. Why am I doing this? I mean, why am I driving all the way over to the bridal shop, just to try on a dress she probably won’t even wear? If I’m being honest here, I am so disgusted with Hailey, I don’t think I should bother going.

I can’t believe I am doing this for her. Abruptly, I leave my minivan and stomp off toward the storefront, ready to storm through . . . . That’s strange. I hadn’t noticed before just how charming the windows are. In fact, the etchings in the glass resemble my favorite fairytale castle. Hmm, how nice.

When I push open the doors, I hear sweet bells chime—welcoming me. There's a stunning chandelier dangling over my head, with crystals cascading down like water droplets. A little farther up ahead, a larger version of the same fixture hangs above the center of the circular room. I love it in here.

The walls are painted a powder blue and glossy white mannequins are strategically positioned around the area. Each one showcases a lovely gown: most are bright white, but a few resemble candlelight. I am surrounded by silk, chiffon, tulle, satin, and lace. Some gowns sparkle, while others shimmer with pearls. I feel like someone should wave a wand over my head, sprinkle glitter into my hair, and whisper a charm…may all of my wishes come true.

From a few feet away, a lady smiles before coming over to greet me. I’ve seen her many times. She is always so nice and patient when tackling everything Hailey throws at her, like sending me to try on the bridal dress.

“Hi, I’m here to be fitted for Hailey Smith’s wedding dress,” I offer.

“Why Hailey, you look remarkably like your sister Paige,” the woman says pleasantly, but with an undertone of sarcasm.

“I know. Hailey couldn’t make it, so I’m here instead. Will that be all right?”

“The bride would be better, but under the circumstances the maid of honor will have to do,” the woman says and her lips curve up into a resigned smile.

She leads me to a dressing room at the back of the store. And there is Hailey’s dress. Its design is elegantly simple and drapes straight to the floor. I reach for the gown and am immediately aware of how soft the white fabric is.

I can’t wait to try it on, but not for Hailey’s sake.

It fits perfectly. Actually, it looks great! I grin while twirling slightly from side-to-side. I don’t normally wear strapless tops, but this looks nice. Maybe I should buy a strapless dress for myself. I could play princess with my daughter!

I am seriously considering my purchase, when the sales assistant interrupts, “I guess Hailey’s a lucky bride, after all. This dress won’t need a thing altered.”

“Well, the dress is stunning. I’m sure Hailey will look beautiful on her big day.” I look in the mirror and swirl—swish, swish.

You know, I bet after Hailey cancels her wedding I could talk her into giving me this dress . . . just a thought.

~ * * * ~

Just after dinner, I eagerly open a bottle of cabernet. It’s red and smooth and pours easily into my glass. After all, Hailey will be here any minute, and I am wrecked. What am I going to say to her? I’m not entirely certain Julian even exists. What I "saw" and "felt" can't possibly be true. I mean, this is my problem, not hers . . . or is it? I’m so confused. I’ll just focus on cleaning up dinner dishes and push Hailey out of my mind.